(Cricket News): Scotland came out on top against Ireland in a nail biting finish to give justice as the top ranked teams in the tournament. They moved into pole position to finish top of the group led by an unbeaten 46 from Scottish captain Kathryn Bryce.

Under bright blue skies, Ireland won the toss and elected to bat first as they were looking to carry on from yesterday’s 164 run win against Germany.

Playing on a complicated pitch to score quickly on, the Irish openers Gaby Lewis (8) and Rebecca Stokell (21) started well, finishing the first powerplay on 20-0. Lewis fell shortly after the momentum swung to the Scottish bowlers through the middle overs, with regular strikes as the Ireland batsmen struggled to score.

Katherine Fraser (3-14), Kathleen McGill (2-18) and Abtaha Maqsood (1-14) bowled exceedingly well and gave away few runs, taking away  the Irish batters of much needed boundary hitting strokes, and the Irish side finished on 89-9 from their 20 overs.

Ireland needed early wickets to stay in the game and they came out firing when Ava Canning (2-5 from 4 overs), assisted by Orla Prendergast (0-6 from 2 overs). Eimear Richardson (2-24), playing her 50th match for Ireland, then celebrated it by taking two wickets in her first over, leaving Scotland at 23-4 at the halfway stage of the innings. Things were not looking bright for the Scotland team.

In the 13th over the match began to swing towards the Wildcats with an aggressive display of striking from Player of the Match Kathryn Bryce, who is on top as one of the world’s best all rounders. Her knock of 46 off 58 balls, and a helping hand by Becky Glen (22 off 19 balls) put the pressure back on the Irish bowlers. Ireland couldn't stop the run flow anymore and Scotland went on to secure a tense five wicket victory with an over to spare. This result leaves Ireland 2nd in the Qualifier table, with two games to play against France and the Netherlands.

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